(Kansas City, Kan., June 25, 2012) - EPA Region 7 representatives will host a public informational meeting for livestock producers about the Agency’s inspection program for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) on Monday, July 2, in Lexington, Neb. EPA Region 7’s inspections are part of an increased national emphasis on ending harmful discharges of pollutants from CAFOs into rivers and streams.

“It is important for EPA Region 7 staff to be out in the countryside so we can educate communities about EPA’s job and how inspections support the Agency's duties,” EPA Regional Administrator Karl Brooks said. “That’s why outreach efforts like this one are so important in obtaining the overall goal of protecting human health and water quality.”

Topics at the meeting include selection of CAFOs for inspection, aerial overflights to assess CAFOs, winter feeding areas, manure stockpiling and nutrient management plans. There will be an opportunity for attendees to interact with EPA officials during a question-and-answer session.